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By Tracy Moses
A well-implemented tax policy can significantly help reduce tobacco consumption and its devastating health effects, according to Mr. Solomon Adoga, Senior Programme Officer at the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).
He stated this at the weekend during a training session for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on tobacco taxation and gender integration, held in Bauchi on Saturday, 3rd May 2025. The workshop was organized by CISLAC with support from the Tax Justice Network-Africa (TJNA).
Mr. Adoga highlighted the shocking impact of tobacco use, with over 8 million deaths annually. Of these, more than 7 million are directly caused by smoking, while an additional 1.2 million deaths occur due to second-hand smoke exposure.
“Smoking tobacco damages almost every organ in the body and significantly harms one’s overall health,” Adoga said, emphasizing that 1.8 billion smokers live in low- and middle-income countries. He further explained that tobacco, scientifically known as Nicotiana tabacum, contains over 2,500 chemicals, including nicotine. After harvesting, the leaves undergo drying, fermentation, and aging processes, contributing to the release of dangerous toxins when smoked.
“Each time tobacco is smoked, over 7,000 toxic chemicals, including at least 70 known carcinogens, are inhaled, affecting nearly every organ in the body,” he warned.
Mr. Adoga also pointed out that 25,000 children aged 10-14 and 7.5 million young adults (15+ years old) continue to use tobacco daily. Among adults, more than 7 million men and over 400,000 women smoke every day. Additionally, about 2 million people use smokeless tobacco. Tobacco-related deaths in Nigeria exceed 28,000 annually.
He elaborated on the severe health risks associated with tobacco, particularly its role in causing cancers such as lung, mouth, throat, bladder, kidney, pancreas, stomach, and cervical cancers. Tobacco also contributes to heart disease, strokes, respiratory issues like emphysema and bronchitis, and reproductive health problems, including impaired fertility and increased risks during pregnancy.
He continued, “Tobacco use affects men and women differently, and gender dynamics can play a significant role in consumption patterns and the health impacts of smoking.
“Globally, men tend to have higher rates of tobacco use, but there is a concerning rise in smoking among women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
“Gender norms and social factors can influence tobacco consumption, with women often facing societal pressures regarding smoking, while men may experience less stigma.
“Additionally, women who smoke are more vulnerable to specific health issues, such as complications during pregnancy, cervical cancer, and reproductive health disorders.
“Gender-based approaches in tobacco control can help address these disparities by tailoring interventions to the unique needs and challenges of different genders, ensuring that both men and women are equally supported in quitting and preventing tobacco use, ” he added.
The Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani, was represented by Senior Finance Officer Muhammed Murtala, who shared the purpose of the training: to enhance advocacy efforts aimed at reducing tobacco use in society. He stressed that combating tobacco consumption requires a united approach, urging participants to strengthen their skills and become agents of change within their communities.
Murtala concluded by emphasizing the need for robust public health interventions, policy reforms, and comprehensive awareness campaigns to address the growing tobacco epidemic in Nigeria.